An undeniably big story
WHEN internationally celebrated comedian Cassie Workman came out as a Trans woman, she says it was like killing a person that had done nothing wrong.
“I felt an enormous amount of guilt. Like I had an obligation to make life easier on those around me. There was a sense they might be hurt and that’s what drove me to keep being who I used to be, for a long time,” she told
“I don’t think that’s an uncommon feeling, but I got over it.”
It’s an experience of denial and anguish that informs her latest work, “Giantess”, a comedic stage show she wrote and will perform in Dubbo in June.
“It was a show written specifically for non-trans people to get the idea of feeling like you can’t live your true identity across in a way that was new and relatable and not politicalised. ‘Giantess’ is relevant to anyone who has felt like that,” she said.
“Also, I’d like it to be a message of strength for people who are Trans.
‘Giantess’ includes live music, stand-up comedy and illustrations, and tells the story of a six-year-old girl abducted by a troll at a local shopping centre, is locked away and then needs the strength of a giantess to save her.
“It is a fable. I’ve had a long history of writing fables for theatre and I find that there’s a part in everybody’s psyche that’s pure and good and open to new ideas, and it’s a very childlike part, so I often will use fable-type imagery and metaphor so people can easily internalise what I’m saying.”
Non-trans people have given ‘Giantess’ rave reviews.
“I’ve had a really positive response and I think I’ve spent most of my life in denial, so it’s not as though I don’t understand how Trans people and Trans issues are viewed from the outside.
“I think that gave me the tools I needed to make a story that explains this experience in a relatable way.”
Comedy is a natural vehicle for Cassie’s message.
“I think comedy is an excellent medium for any story that is impactful, or stories that are traumatic. I think it has a way that opens people’s minds and hearts and makes them view things in ways they hadn’t previously thought about them,” Ms Workman said.
“Even if you have no interest in Trans issues, it’s still a funny show so come along and be told a story and stick around and have a chat,” she said.
z “Giantess”, written and performed by Cassie Workman, will be at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on Saturday, June 15, at 8pm. Tickets on sale now from DRTCC.